U.S. Representatives Nick LaLota (R-Hauppauge) and Chris Deluzio (D-Pennsylvania), both graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy, former Navy Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs), and members of the Armed Services Committee, have launched the bipartisan Navy and Marine Corps Caucus.
LaLota is a lifelong Long Islander who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000. Upon graduation, LaLota was commissioned as an Ensign and went on to serve on three separate deployments in over twenty countries. As a SWO, Nick served as Assistant Operations Officer on the USS Curts and as a Tactical Action Officer on the USS Carl Vinson, a nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier. For his service, he was awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
Deluzio was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania and graduated in 2006 from the U.S. Naval Academy. Following his graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree with merit, Deluzio commissioned as an Ensign. As an active-duty SWO, his service included three deployments, including a tour of duty with U.S. Army Civil Affairs in Iraq.
“The best job I ever had was serving as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Today, it is an absolute honor to launch and Co-Chair the bipartisan Navy and Marine Corps Caucus with my friend and shipmate, Congressman Deluzio. This bipartisan Caucus will work to advance the interests of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, ensuring our Navy-Marine Corps team remains the greatest seagoing force for good the world has ever known,” said LaLota. “This includes promoting policies that improve the quality of life for our Sailors and Marines, supporting them after their service, and doing everything we can to maintain the greatest naval fighting force this world has ever known. The men and women who serve in our Navy-Marine Corps Team are the best and brightest our nation has to offer and it is humbling to be able to fight for all of them in Washington.”
“I learned a simple lesson in the Navy: Ship, Shipmate, Self. You put the mission first, you put others before yourself,” said Deluzio. “That vision of service guides my days here in Congress. I’m excited to help launch the Congressional Navy and Marine Corps Caucus with my fellow veterans and others. Together, we’ll bring that ethos of public service to the People’s House.”